Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (SOMPAR) has announced 10 inpatient beds are to be temporarily closed at Shepton Mallet Community Hospital due to staffing problems. All other services will still be available at the hospital.
The beds will be closed from the end of this month but Wells MP James Heappey is working closely with SOMPAR to ensure they are re-opened as soon as possible and says anything permanent will 'not be tolerated'.
He said: " The temporary closure of beds at Shepton Mallet Community Hospital is very disappointing. I have spoken to the Chief Executive of SOMPAR and understand the staffing challenges. I look forward to these being resolved as quickly as possible over the next few months.
"I will be raising this issue with Ministers urgently and will meet with the League Of Friends and Save Our Hospital Beds campaign group. I will also be seeking assurances from Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group and SOMPAR about the planned redevelopment of Shepton Mallet Community Hospital and would like to know this temporary setback in no way affects these plans.
"A temporary closure is unfortunate but anything permanent will not be tolerated and the focus must now be on making sure all the beds are back available and the hospital is sufficiently staffed as soon as possible."